Lee Jung-jae: After "Squid Game" caused controversy when playing a pair of beauties 18 years younger

After the success of "Squid Game", Lee Jung-jae caused controversy when he was paired with an 18-year-old beauty Lim Ji Yeon , causing the audience to be divided because of the age gap and on-screen chemistry.

Lee Jung-jae was born on December 15, 1972 in Seoul, South Korea. Few people suspect that behind the current glory, he experienced a difficult childhood. Lee Jung-jae's family once fell into a serious financial crisis, forcing him to grow up early and shoulder responsibilities for his parents.
Not only that, but Jung-jae is also the one who directly takes care of his autistic brother – a heavy task for a teenage boy. It was that environment that trained him in a sense of responsibility, energy and extraordinary bravery – factors that made Lee Jung-jae's "brand" later.
From café staff to expensive models:

Lee Jung-jae's fate to art was completely accidental. While working part-time at a café in the Apgujeong area, his masculine and attractive appearance caught the eye of a fashion designer. As a result, Lee Jung-jae fell in love with the modeling profession and quickly became a bright face in the Korean fashion industry in the early 1990s.
Not only has a handsome face, a well-proportioned physique and a cold demeanor, Lee Jung-jae also possesses a charisma that makes all eyes pay attention. From the catwalk, he was quickly noticed by directors and invited to try his hand at cinema.

In 1993, Lee Jung-jae officially made his debut in the drama " Dinosaur Teacher ". Although it is only a supporting role, his natural performance and outstanding appearance help him quickly score points in the eyes of the audience.
From here, Lee Jung-jae's artistic journey began to expand. He constantly challenges himself through many different roles, affirming that he is not just a "mobile vase", but an actor with real strength and aspiration to go far.
"Hourglass" and the transformation into an A-list star:

The big milestone in Lee Jung-jae's career came in 1995, when he took on the role of a quiet bodyguard in the TV series "Sandglass." The film became a cultural phenomenon, with an audience rate of more than 60% – a record number for Korea at that time.
Thanks to " Sandglass ", Lee Jung-jae suddenly became an A-list star, loved by the public for his cold, masculine appearance but hidden deep emotions.

After great success on television, he turned to cinema with the desire to assert his competence at a higher level. In 1998, he made a splash with the films "An Affair" and " City of the Rising Sun ", in which his role with Jung Woo-sung earned him the Best Actor award at the Blue Dragon, marking the first peak of his career.

The movie "Il Mare" released in 2000 shows a completely different Lee Jung-jae – gentle, romantic and sophisticated. Although sales were not high when it was first released, " Il Mare" later became a classic, so much so that Hollywood had to buy the rights to remake " The Lake House " (2006).
"Squid Game": Global Explosion and Historic Emmy Awards

In 2021, Lee Jung-jae's career entered a new era when he took on the role of Seong Gi-hun in the hit Netflix series "Squid Game". The character of player number 456 – an unemployed, miserable but compassionate man – has touched a global audience.
"Squid Game" not only smashed all Netflix records, but also made Lee Jung-jae a true international star. He is the first Asian to win the Best Actor award at the Emmys, and at the same time received the prestigious SAG Award – an unprecedented historical achievement in the Korean film industry.

This success helped Lee Jung-jae affirm his position as a "global icon" of Korean cinema:

Not sleeping on victory, in 2022, Lee Jung-jae tried his hand at a new role – director, screenwriter and main actor in the movie "Hunt". His spy work premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, marking an important step in the actor's creative journey.
This shift shows that Lee Jung-jae is constantly learning, always eager to explore new aspects of cinema.
The powerful businessman and the "billionaire" love affair attract attention:

In addition to movies, Lee Jung-jae is also a successful businessman. He owns a chain of high-end Italian restaurants and the real estate company Seorim C&D.
In 2016, Lee Jung-jae and his close friend Jung Woo-sung founded Artist Company, Korea's leading artist management company, bringing together many famous actors.

In terms of personal life, Lee Jung-jae is in a strong relationship with Lim Se Ryung, the daughter of Daesang Group Chairman and the ex-wife of Samsung heiress Lee Jae-yong. The couple is known as the "power alliance" between the entertainment world and Korean oligarchs.

Controversial when paired with a beauty 18 years younger:

After the peak of "Squid Game", all of Lee Jung-jae's projects were closely watched by the audience. Recently, he attracted attention when he accepted an offer to act in the romantic comedy drama "Annoying Love" with actress Lim Ji Yeon – who is 18 years younger than him.
This combination has created a lot of controversy. Some viewers are concerned that the large age gap will make the love story unnatural. However, fans believe in the acting bravery of the two, thinking that Lee Jung-jae can completely turn what seems "lame" into a unique attraction.

Despite the conflicting opinions, Lee Jung-jae's choice proves the spirit of constantly renewing himself, daring to go beyond his comfort zone to conquer new challenges in art.

From a poor boy to a global star, Lee Jung-jae's journey is a living testament to his energy, talent and consistency.
Not only is he a leading actor in Korea, he is also a symbol of a generation of artists who dare to dream, dare to do, dare to go out into the world to affirm their self-worth.
At the age of 50, Lee Jung-jae is still shining – not only on the screen, but also in the hearts of millions of movie lovers around the planet. Lee Jung-jae is not only a star, but also an inspiring symbol of energy, passion, and aspiration to reach the top.

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